Very seriously, John answered, "I'm sure he's not drunk, sir."
Rutford eyed the boy keenly.
"Have you ever seen anybody drunk?" he demanded.
"I live in the New Forest," said John, as gravely as before, "and on Whit-Monday——" He was aware that he had made an impression upon this big, truculent man.
"Don't try to be funny with me, Verney."
"On no, sir, as if I should dare!"
"Well, well, we are wasting time. Trieve sent you to Lovell's room to fetch Scaife?"
"Yes, sir."
"And what was Scaife doing when you went into the room? Be very careful!"
John considered. "He was laughing, sir."